2013 Draft Countdown: Offensive lineman

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2013 Draft Countdown: Offensive lineman

Offensive line, especially at the guard and tackle positions, is well-stocked at the top and all the way through this draft. The center position doesn’t have first-round talent, but it’s got plenty of prospects who will contribute at the NFL level. Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, a tackle, figures to be the No. 1 overall pick and there could be close to 10 offensive linemen taken in the first round according to expert estimates.

Patriots pecking order

The Patriots’ tackle positions are secure with tackles Sebastian Vollmer and Nate Solder and the backups Will Svitek and Marcus Cannon are suitable. Dan Connolly has been somewhat injury prone and Logan Mankins is starting to get up there in age (although still very effective), so a guard may not be out of the question. As well as Ryan Wendell played last season, it would seem that the center spot is in good hands. Overall, the group and the work of line coach Dante Scarnecchia is one the Patriots don’t have to wring their hands over.
Others in the mix: G/C Nick McDonald, G/T Markus Zusevics

Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M

Chance Warmack, Alabama

Described by Pro Football Weekly’s Nolan Nawrocki as “one of the best guards to enter the league since John Hannah. At 6-2, 317-pounds, he is looked at similarly to Joeckel in that he’ll be playing in the NFL for a long time.

Lane Johnson, Oklahoma

Played tight end, defensive end, right tackle and left tackle over his career with the Sooners. Was a quarterback and free safety in high school. Measurables and conditioning are awesome and his best years are ahead.

Erik Fisher, Central Michigan

At 6-7, 306, a smidge bigger than Joeckel and also regarded as a top-10 pick. Brings some attitude to the position both in the way he plays (good) and, say experts, in his locker-room demeanor (not as good).

Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina

Possible Patriots

Cooper would seem to be the player most likely to descend into the Patriots general vicinity who would be a hard guy for them to pass on. Travis Frederick from Wisconsin and Barrett Jones from Alabama are second-round targets who play guard and center and could be targets for the Patriots.